View from the Boot Room | Week Eighteen

No Salah. No Mane. No van Dijk…

There’s been some big money moves this weekend. We’ve already seen Vardy’s selection increase to 51.3%, De Bruyne is up to 41.6%. And Kelly is stacking 31.1%.

Whaddaya mean ‘who?’

Martin Kelly. Palace defender. Could be a sly pick for a sheet this week too. But we’ll get to that in good time.

Eyes down…


Tap ins…

Everton home win. Yes, that’s Everton. Home. Win.

With Big Dunc bringing order I’m tempted to reach into the bin to retrieve a few Toffees. Pickford, Keane, Coleman and even Baines – for old times’ sake – could be wallowing in clean sheets v Arsenal. And even v Burnley next time out.

You’ve got to fancy Wolves to extend their unbeaten run (to seven) at Norwich. Just the one shut out on the road though, so keep it Doherty, Jota and Jimenez. In that order. And if you believe the hype about Traore… you’re on your own. Speedboat. No driver.

Vardy loves a goal… I was going to add: against the Big Six. But I could just leave it there. 11 in 10 and the wings all that Red Bull gives him (plus type 2 diabetes, probably) will likely make it another difficult afternoon for City’s backline.


Long Shots…

On the other hand – and team – De Bruyne looks as imperious as ever. And at £1.5m cheaper than Sterling, has prompted a big shift in ownership. His 41.6% to Raheem’s current 24.6%.

Man United should register a rare sheet too. Anyone else think that Maguire is due a goal too?

Tottenham could well take advantage of a wobbly Chelsea – who’ve lost four of their last five. In form Alli, Son and Kane promise the goals. Moura the value.

Rashford has 9 in 10 in all comps. He’s never done that before.


Worth a punt…

Sheffield United’s midfield motor Fleck has scored 4 in his last seven PL matches. But before you break the bank to find a place for the £4.9m man, consider that it took almost 1000 matches to score his previous four…… And also that he is SUSPENDED for this one!!

And furthermore…

Both Brighton v Sheffield United and Newcastle v Palace have the look of draws to me. Low scoring ones. Maybe even 0-0s. So there could be a sneaky sheet or two to be had. Blades’ Lundstram, Baldock and Stevens; Dunk (Brighton), Willems (Newcastle) and Palace’s Guaita are top picks.

And finally, a little round of gloved applause for Aaron Ramsdale. Bournemouth’s No one has managed to clamber his way to the top of the goalkeeper listings despite losing 5 of the last six matches. Shipping 11 goals in the process.

Home to Burnley. Seen stranger things happen.